LEDGE, Japan's first team of public interest litigation specialists, is holding "LEDGE Summer Clerkship 2026" for bar examination candidates and those who aspire to become lawyers working on public interest litigation.
LEDGE is a project in which Law Office LEDGE—the first law office in Japan where lawyers work full-time on public interest litigation—and the general incorporated association LEDGE—which brings together researchers and campaigners specializing in public interest litigation—collaborate to change society's institutions and norms through public interest litigation.
This time, Law Office LEDGE is inviting applications for "LEDGE Summer Clerkship 2026," a program for those aspiring to enter the legal profession.
Using actual cases handled by LEDGE, the program offers a chance to learn how public interest litigation comes into being and the strategies behind how it is carried out, and to deepen your understanding of LEDGE's work.
If you are interested, please apply via the application form below by 23:59 on Thursday, July 30, 2026. We look forward to welcoming many applicants.
"LEDGE Summer Clerkship 2026" Program Details
As Japan's first team of public interest litigation specialists, LEDGE works on public interest litigation aimed at transforming society's rules and institutions through public interest litigation. Not only lawyers but a diverse range of specialists—including researchers and campaigners—work together to plan and design each case and carry it all the way through to reaching the public.
Using actual public interest cases handled by LEDGE, the program lets you experience what goes on behind the scenes of public interest litigation and how diverse specialists collaborate—through case study and research, participation in legal team meetings, and court observation (witness examinations and judgment hearings).
◼️ Eligibility
Those sitting the fiscal year 2026 (Reiwa 8) bar examination, or those planning to sit the fiscal year 2027 (Reiwa 9) bar examination.
*Applications are welcome regardless of which university or law school you attended.
◼️ Schedule
① Session 1
Wednesday, September 16 – Friday, September 18, 2026, 10:00–17:00 each day
② Session 2
Thursday, September 24 – Friday, September 25, 2026, 10:00–17:00 each day
*Approximately 5 participants maximum per session
◼️ Location
The LEDGE office in Nihonbashi-Hamacho, Tokyo, and other locations.
*We plan to cover transportation costs and, for participants traveling from a distance, accommodation costs. Accommodation is covered for the period from the day before each session's start date to the day before its end date.
◼️ How to Apply
Please apply via the application form below. The application deadline is 23:59 on Thursday, July 30.
◼️ Selection Process
Applications will be screened on a document basis in the order received, and we will notify you of the outcome by email by Monday, August 3, 2026.
*If we receive a large number of applications, we may also conduct online interviews.
*Please note that the notification date may change.
◼️ Contact
For questions about how to apply for this Summer Clerkship program or any other queries, please email the Summer Clerkship team at Law Office LEDGE (info@ledge.or.jp).
Now Recruiting Lawyers to Work on Public Interest Litigation
LEDGE is also recruiting a small number of lawyers to join Law Office LEDGE and work full-time on public interest litigation that changes society.
Alongside litigation work, you will—if you wish—take part in a wide range of activities, including developing and managing new cases, communicating with plaintiffs and supporters, building community with civil society groups and others, and handling media relations.
From June to August, we are holding a series of three online information sessions introducing the role, the significance of public interest litigation, and what it's like to work at LEDGE. We warmly encourage you to join these as well.
